Italian authorities have opened an investigation after an estimated €700,000 in cash was allegedly thrown into the sea from a speedboat travelling from Malta.
The unusual incident reportedly happened on Tuesday afternoon near Casuzze, a seaside village close to Santa Croce Camerina in the Sicilian province of Ragusa.
According to Italian media platform LiveUniCT, the pleasure boat developed engine trouble a short distance from the coast. It was reportedly left without power after running out of fuel.
Packages of Cash Seen Floating in Water
Before rescuers reached the vessel, people aboard the boat allegedly threw several packages containing banknotes into the sea.
The cash, estimated to be worth around €700,000, was then seen floating among the waves close to the beach.
Several beachgoers reportedly entered the water and attempted to collect the notes, creating confusion along the shoreline.
Members of the Italian coastguard, Guardia di Finanza, state police and carabinieri were called to the area. Authorities are believed to have recovered almost all the money taken from the water.
Four People Identified
One person was reportedly still aboard the speedboat when officers arrived, while three others had gone ashore to seek help.
Italian media reported that all four occupants were identified and taken to the coastguard’s local offices for questioning.
The vessel was later towed into port and seized so that technical examinations could be carried out.
Investigation Into the Cash Continues
Ragusa police chief Salvatore Fazzino reportedly said the vessel might not have attracted the authorities’ attention had it not developed mechanical problems near the coast.
Investigators are now trying to determine where the money came from, where it was being taken and why such a large amount of cash was being transported along the route between Malta and Sicily.
No official conclusions about the source or intended use of the money have been announced. The circumstances surrounding the journey remain under investigation.
Credit: LiveUniCT
